THE KING By SOPHOCLES A New Translation by D.W. Myatt This Edition First Published 1994 copyright DW Myatt 1990, 1994 Page 1
Preface The main reason for this new translation of the Oedipus Tyrannus is the desire to produce a dynamic and powerful version which is as accurate as any non-literal translation can be and which thus reflects as far as any translation can, the spirit of the original. The original is one of the masterpieces of European literature, and indeed of European civilization - something hardly evident from other translations. Part of the beauty of Sophocles is his direct simplicity of language - and, given the resources of the English language, it is possible to suggest this in a translation without, however, descending to the level of the trite and the banal as most recent translators have done in their attempts to 'modernize' and/or make the story seem 'relevant'. In the present translation, I have tried to combine a simplicity and directness of expression with a fidelity to the images of the original, as well as rendering as best I could the most important Greek concepts in a Hellenic rather than a modern, abstract, way. As with the original, the language I have employed (or rather, syntax) is not that of 'everyday' speech. It does, however, achieve the desired simplicity and effect, particularly when spoken. For this present edition of the translation, I have omitted the Greek notes that formed part of the earlier edition [Sophocles: Oedipus Tyrannus; A Translation, Interpretation and Commentary (Thormynd Press, 1991)]. I have also amended the translation in several places, sometimes significantly. The text used is that of R.D. Dawe - Sophocles: Trageodiæ; Tom. II (Teubner, 1979). Characters, King of Thebes JOCASTA, his Consort and wife, brother of Jocasta TIRESIAS, the blind prophet A PRIEST of Zeus FIRST MESSENGER SECOND MESSENGER A SHEPHERD of Theban Elders Page 2
THE KING By SOPHOCLES Scene: Before the wealthy dwelling of Oedipus at Thebes My children - you most recently reared from ancient Cadmus - Why do you hasten to these seats Wreathed in suppliant branches? Since the citadel is filled with incense, Chants and lamentations I did not deem it fitting, my children, to hear The report of some messenger - so I come here myself: I, Oedipus the renowned, who is respected by you all. As you, Elder, are distinguished by nature, You should speak for these others. Is your manner One of fear or affection? My will is to assist you For I would be indifferent to pain Were I not to have pity after such a supplication as this. PRIEST Oedipus, master of my land: You see how many sit here Before your altars - some not yet robust enough To fly far; some heavy as I, Priest of Zeus, with age; And these, chosen from our unmarried youth. Enwreathed like them, our people sit in the place of markets, By the twin shrines of Pallas And by the embers of the Ismenian oracle. Our clan, as you yourself behold, already heaves Too much - its head bent To the depths bloodily heaving. Page 3
Decay is in the unfruitful seeds in the soil, Decay is in our herds of cattle - our women Are barren or abort, and that god of fever Swoops down to strike our clan with an odious plague, Emptying the abode of Cadmus and giving dark Hades An abundance of wailing and lamentation. Not as an equal of the gods do I, And these children who sit by your altar, behold you - But as the prime man in our problems of life And in our dealings and agreements with daimons (1). You arrived at our town of Cadmus to disentangle us From the tax we paid to that harsh Songstress - And that with less than we knew because Without our experience. Rather - and it is the custom To say this - you had the support of a god And so made our lives to prosper. Thus, Oedipus - you, the most noble of all - We all as suppliants beseech you To find us a defence, whether it be from a god's oracle Or whether it be learnt from some man. For those who are practical are, by events, Seen to give counsels which are the most effective. Most noble among mortals - restore our clan! But - be cautious. For now this land of yours Names you their protector for your swiftness before - Do not let it be recorded of your leadership That you raised us up again only to let us thereafter fall: So make us safe, and restore our clan. Favourable - then - the omens, and prosperity You brought us: be of the same kind, again! Page 4
For, in commanding a land, as you are master of this, It is much better to be master of men than of an emptiness! Of no value are a ship or a defensive tower If they are empty because no men dwell within them. You, my children, who lament - I know, for I am not without knowledge, Of the desire which brings you here. For well do I see All your sufferings - and though you suffer, it is I And not one of you that suffers the most. For your pain comes to each of you By itself, with nothing else, while my psyche Mourns for myself, for you and the clan. You have not awakened me from a resting sleep For indeed you should know of my many tears And the many paths of reflection I have wandered upon and tried. And, as I pondered, I found one cure Which I therefore took. The son of Menoeceus, Creon - he who is my kin by marriage - I have sent to that Pythian dwelling Of Phoebus to learn how I By word or deed can give deliverance to the clan. But I have already measured the duration And am concerned: for where is he? He is longer than expected For his absence is, in duration, greater than is necessary. Yet when he does arrive, it would dishonourable For me not to act upon all that the gods makes clear. PRIEST It is fitting that you spoke thus - for observe that now We are signalled that Creon is approaching. Page 5
Lord Apollo! Let our fate be such That we are saved - and as bright as his face now is! PRIEST I conjecture it is pleasing since he arrives with his head crowned By laurel wreaths bearing many berries. Soon we will know, for, in distance, he can hear us now. [Enter Creon] Lord - son of Menoeceus - my kin by marriage: Give to us the saying you received from the god! It is propitious, for I call it fortunate when what is difficult to bear Is taken from us, enabling us thus to prosper again. But what is it? I am not given more courage Nor more fear by your words. Do you insist upon hearing it here, Within reach of these others - or shall we go within? Speak it to all. For my concern for their suffering Is more than even that for my own psyche. Then I shall speak to you what I heard from the god. Page 6
The command of Lord Phoebus was clear - That defilement nourished by our soil Must be driven away, not given nourishment until it cannot be cured. When came this misfortune? How to be cleansed? Banishment of a man - or a killing in return for the killing To release us from the blood and thus this tempest upon our clan. What man is thus fated to be so denounced? My Lord, Laius was the Chief Of this land, before you guided us. That I have heard and know well although I never saw him. Because he was slaughtered it is clearly ordered that you Must punish the killing hands, whosesoever they are. But are they in this land? Can we still find The now faded marks of the ancient tracks of those so accused? Still in our land, he said. What is saught Can be caught, but will escape if not attended to. Page 7
Was Laius in his dwelling, in his fields, Or in another land when he met his death? He said he was journeying to a shrine: But, having gone, he did not return. Was there no messenger, no other with him Who saw anything and whom we could consult and thus learn from? No - killed: all of them. Except one who fled in fear And so saw nothing except the one thing he did speak of seeing. What? One thing may help us learn many more And such a small beginning may bring us hope. He announced that robbers came upon them and, there being so many, In their strength slew them with their many hands. How could robbers do that? Unless - unless silver Was paid to them, from here! Otherwise, they would not have the courage! Such was the opinion. But with Laius killed No one arose to be his avenger since we had other troubles. Page 8
What troubles were before you that with your King fallen You were kept from looking? The convoluted utterances of the Sphinx made us consider what was before us And leave unknown what was dark. Then, as a start, I shall go back to make it visible. It is fitting for Phoebus, and fitting also for you For the sake of him dead, to return your concern there And fair that I am seen as an ally In avenging this land and the god. Yet not in the name of remote kin But for myself will I banish the abomination Since that person who killed may - and soon - And by his own hand, wish to avenge me. Thus in this way by so giving aid, I also benefit myself. Now and swiftly, my children, stand up from these steps - Raising your suppliant branches - And go to summon here the people of Cadmus For I shall do all that is required. Either good fortune - If the gods wills - will be shown to be ours, or we shall perish. [Exit Oedipus] PRIEST Stand, children, for that favour For which we came he has announced he will do. May Phoebus -who delivered this oracle - Page 9
Be our Saviour and cause our suffering to cease. [Exit Priest. Enter Chorus] Zeus - your pleasing voice has spoken But in what manner from gold-rich Pytho do you come To the splendour that is Thebes? My reason is stretched by dread as fear shakes me - O Delian Paeon I invoke you! - And I am in awe. For is this new Or the continuation of that obligation Which each season brings again? Speak to me with your divine voice, You born from she whom we treasure - our Hope! You I shall name first - you the daughter of Zeus, the divine Athene! And then you, her sister, who defends our lands - Artemis! - Whose illustrious throne is the circle of our market. And you, Phoebus with your far-reaching arrows! You - the triad who guard us from death! Appear to me! When misfortune moved over our clan before You came to completely drive away that injuring fire - So now come to us, again! Beyond count are the injuries I bear And all my comrades are sick; There is no spear of thought to defend us - The offspring of our fertile soil do not grow While at the birth there are no cries of joy For the women stretched by their labour: Page 10
I behold one after another rushing forth - swifter than feathered birds, Swifter than invincible fire - Toward the land of the twilight god! They are beyond count and make the clan to die: For her descendants lie unpitied, unmourned on the ground Condemning others to death As both the child-less and the mothers gather Around the base of the altars To labour as suppliants with their injurious laments Although clear are the hymns to the Healer Above those accompanying wailing voices! In answer, you whom we hold precious - daughter of Zeus - Send us She of strength with the beautiful eyes! Grant that fiery Ares - he who fights not with shield of bronze But who burns as he encircles with his battle-cry - Turns around to swiftly run back, away from our fatherland With a fair wind following, to that great Chamber of Amphitrite Or to that Thracian harbour where strangers are dashed, Since what he neglects at night He achieves when day arrives. Thus - you who carry fire, Who bestows the power of lighting - All-father Zeus: waste him beneath your thunder! Lord Lyceus! From your gold-bound bowstring I wish you to deal out the hardest of your arrows So they rise before us as a defence! And you - Artemis - who by your gleaming light Rushes through the mountains of Lycia. Page 11
And you of the golden mitre whose name Is that of our land - I invoke you Ruddied Bacchus with E-U-O-I! - With your roaming Maenads Come near to us with your blazing pine-torch And gleaming eyes, to be our ally Against that god given no honour by gods! [Enter Oedipus] You ask and what you ask will come - For if you in your sickness listen and accept and assist me You shall receive the strength to lift you out of this trouble. I here make the declaration even though I am a stranger to that report And a stranger to that deed. I, myself, would not have delayed Tracking this, even had there been no signs. But since it was after these things I became a tax-paying citizen among you citizens, I proclaim this now to all who are of Cadmus: Whosoever, concerning Laius son of Labdacus, Knows the man who killed him I command him to declare everything to me. But if he is afraid, he can himself remove the accusation Against him since what awaits him Shall not be hostile since he shall pass uninjured to another land. But if you know of another from another region Whose hand did it, do not be silent For I shall reward and confer favours upon you. But if you keep silent because he is your own kin Or because you yourself are afraid and so reject this - Then hear what I of necessity must do. Page 12
I forbid that man, whoever he is, to be in this land - This land where I have power and authority: No one is to receive him nor speak to him; Neither is he to share in your offering thanks to the gods, Nor in the sacrifices or in the libations before them. Instead, everyone shall push him away - for our defilement Is, in truth, him: as the Pythian god By his oracle just now announced to me. Thus in such a way do I and this god And the man who was killed become allies - And so this pact I make concerning he who did that deed Whether alone or together with others in secret: Being ignoble, may his miserable life ignobly waste away. And I also make this pact - that should he arrive at my dwelling And with my consent stay by my hearth, then may that disease I desired for those ones come to me! So I command you to accomplish this On behalf of me, the god and this land Now barren, lain waste and without gods. For even had no god sent you to deal with this matter It would not have been fitting to leave it uncleaned For the man killed was both brave and your own lord: You should have enquired. However, I now have the authority And hold the command that was his, And now possess his chambers and his woman - seeded by us both - And by whom we might have children shared in common had that family Not had its misfortune and thus there had been a birth: But it was not to be, for fate bore down upon him. Thus, I - as if he were my own father - Will fight for him and will go to any place Page 13
To search for and to seize the one whose hand killed That son of Labdacus - he of Polydorus, Of Cadmus before that and before then of ancient Agenor. As to those who do not do this for me, I ask the god That the seeds they sow in the earth shall not bring forth shoots Nor their women children, and also that it be their destiny To be destroyed by this thing - or one that is much worse. But as for you others, of Cadmus, to whom this is pleasing - May the goddess, Judgement, who is on our side, And all of the gods, be with us forever. Bound by your oath, my Lord, I speak: I am not the killer - nor can I point out he who did the killing. It is he who sent us on this search - Phoebus - who should say who did that work. That would be fair. But to compel the gods Against their will is not within the power of any man. Shall I speak of what I consider is the second best thing to do? Do not neglect to explain to me even what is third! He who sees the most of what Lord Phoebus knows Is Lord Tiresias - and it is from his watching, and clearness, My Lord, that we might learn the most. Page 14
I have not been inactive in attending to that: Since Creon spoke of it, I have sent two escorts - And it is a wonder after this long why he is not here. What can still be told of those things is blunt from age. What is there? For I am watching for any report. It was said that he was killed by travellers. That I have heard - but no one sees here he who observed that. But he will have had his share of fear Having heard your pact - and will not have stayed here. And he who had no fear of the deed? Would such a one fear such words? But here is he who can identify him. For observe, It is the prophet of the god who is led here: He who of all mortals has the most ability to reveal things. [Enter Tiresias, guided by a boy] Tiresias - you who are learned in all things: what can be taught; what is never spoken of; What is in the heavens and what treads on the earth - Page 15
Although you have no sight, can you see how our clan Has given hospitality to sickness? You are our shield, Our protector - for you, Lord, are the only remedy we have. Phoebus - if you have not heard it from the messengers - Sent us as answer to our sending: release from the sickness Will come only if we are skilled enough to discover who killed Laius And kill them or drive them away from this land as fugitives. Therefore, do not deny to us from envy the speech of birds Or any other way of divination which you have, But pull yourself and this clan - and me - Pull us away from all that is defiled by those who lie slain. Our being depends on you. For if a man assists someone When he has the strength to do so, then it is a noble labour. TIRESIAS Ah! There is harm in judging when there is no advantage In such a judgement. This I usefully understood But then totally lost. I should not have come here. What is this? Are you heartless, entering here so? TIRESIAS Permit me to return to my dwelling. Easier then will it be For you to carry what is yours, and I what is mine, if you are persuaded in this. Such talk is unusual because unfriendly toward this clan Which nourishes you: will you deprive us of oracles? Page 16
TIRESIAS Yes - for I know that the words you say Are not suitable. And I will not suffer because of mine. Before the gods! Turn aside that judgement! Here, before you, All of us are as humble suppliants! TIRESIAS Since all of you lack judgement, I will not speak either about myself Or you and so tell about defects. What? If you are aware of it but will not speak, Do you intend to betray and so totally destroy your clan? TIRESIAS I will not cause pain to either you or myself. Therefore, Why these aimless rebukes since I will not answer. Not...? Why, you ignoble, worthless...! A rock, By its nature, can cause anger. Speak it! - Or will you show there is no end to your hardness? TIRESIAS You rebuke me for anger - but it is with you That she dwells, although you do not see this and blame me instead. And whose being would not have anger 340 Hearing how you dishonour our clan! Page 17
TIRESIAS By themselves, these things will arrive - even though my silence covers them. Then since they shall arrive, you must speak to me about them! TIRESIAS Beyond this, I explain nothing. But if it is your will, Become savage with wroth in anger. Yes indeed I will yield to the anger possessing me Since I do understand! For I know you appear to me To have worked together with others to produce that deed, Although it was not your hand that did the killing. But - had you sight - I would say that the blow was yours and yours alone! TIRESIAS Is that so! I declare it is to the proclamation You announced that you must adhere to, so that from this day You should not speak to me or these others Since you are the unhealthy pollution in our soil! It is disrespectful to bound forth With such speech! Do you believe you will escape? TIRESIAS I have escaped. For, by my revelations, I am nourished and made strong. Where was your instruction from? Certainly not from your craft! Page 18
TIRESIAS From you - for against my desire I cast out those words. What words? Say them again so I can fully understand. TIRESIAS Did you not hear them before? Or are your words a test? They expressed no meaning to me. Say them again. TIRESIAS I said you are the killer and thus the man you seek. You shall not escape if you injure me so again! TIRESIAS Shall I then say more to make your anger greater? As much as you desire for you are mistaken in what you say. TIRESIAS I say that with those nearest to you are you concealed In disrespectful intimacy, not seeing the trouble you are in. Do you believe you can continue to speak so and remain healthy? TIRESIAS Yes, if revelations have power. Page 19
They do for others, but not for you! They have none for you Because you are blind in your ears, in your purpose as well as in your eyes! TIRESIAS In faulting me for that you are unfortunate Because soon there will be no one who does not find fault with you. You are nourished by night alone! It is not for me, Or anyone here who sees by the light, to injure you. TIRESIAS It is not my destiny to be defeated by you - Apollo is sufficient for that, since it is his duty to obtain vengeance. Were those things Creon's inventions - or yours? TIRESIAS It is not Creon who harms you - it is yourself. Ah! Wealth, Kingship and that art of arts Which surpasses others - these, in life, are envied: And great is the jealousy cherished because of you. It is because of this authority of mine - which this clan Gave into my hands, unasked - That the faithful Creon, a comrade from the beginning, Desires to furtively creep about to overthrow me And hires this performing wizard, This cunning mendicant priest who sees only Page 20
For gain but who is blind in his art! So now tell me: where and when have you given clear divinations? For you did not - when that bitch was here chanting her verses - Speak out and so give deliverance to your clansfolk. Yet her enigma was not really for some passing man To disclose since it required a prophet's art: But your augury foretold nothing and neither did you learn anything From any god! It was I who came along - I, Oedipus, who sees nothing! - I who put and end to her By happening to use reason rather than a knowledge of augury. Now it is me you are trying to exile since your purpose Is to stand beside the throne among Creon's supporters. But I intend to make you sorry! Both of you - who worked together To drive me out. And if I did not respect you as an Elder, Pain would teach you a kind of judgement! Yet I suspect that he has spoken In anger, as I believe you did, Oedipus. But this is not what is needed. Instead, it is the god's oracle That will, if examined, give us the best remedy. TIRESIAS Though you are the King, I have at least an equality of words In return, for I also have authority. I do not live as your servant - but for Loxias - Just as I am not inscribed on the roll as being under Creon's patronage. Thus, I speak for myself - since you have found fault with me because I am blind. When you look, you do not see the trouble you are in, Nor where you dwell, nor who you are intimate with. Do you know from whom your being arose? Though concealed, you are the enemy Page 21
Of your own, below and upon this land: On both sides beaten by your mother and your father To be driven out from this land by a swift and angry Fury - And you who now see straight will then be in darkness. What place will not be a haven for your cries? What Cithaeron will not, and soon, resound with them When you understand your wedding-night in that abode Into where you fatefully and easily sailed but which is no haven from your voyage? Nor do you understand the multitude of troubles Which will make you equal with yourself and your children. Thus it is, so therefore at my mouth and at Creon's Throw your dirt! For there is no other mortal whose being Will be so completely overwhelmed by troubles as yours. Am I to endure hearing such things from him? May misfortune come to you! Go from here - without delay! Away from my dwelling! Turn and go! TIRESIAS I would not have come here, had you not invited me. I did not know you would speak nonsense Or I would have been unwilling to ask you here to my dwelling. TIRESIAS So you believe I was born lacking sense? Yet I made sense to those who gave you birth. Page 22
What? Wait! Which mortals gave me birth? TIRESIAS It is on this day that you are born and also destroyed. All that you have said is enigmatic or lacking in reason. TIRESIAS 440 But are you not the best among us in working things out? Do you find fault with what I have discovered is my strength? TIRESIAS It is that very fortune which has totally ruined you. I am not concerned - if I have preserved this clan. TIRESIAS Then I shall depart. You - boy! Lead me away. Let him lead you away. While here, you are under my feet And annoy me. When gone - you will give me no more pain. TIRESIAS I shall go but speak that for which I was fetched, with no dread Because of your countenance. For you cannot harm me. I say that the man you have long searched for And threatened and made proclamation about for the killing Page 23
Of Laius - he is present, here. Although called a foreigner among us, he will be exposed as a native Of Thebes but have no delight in that event. Blind, though recently able to see - And a beggar, who before was rich - he shall go to foreign lands With a stick to guide him along the ground on his journey. And he shall be exposed to his children as both their father And their brother; to the woman who gave him birth As both her son and husband; and to his father As his killer who seeded her after him. So go Within to reason this out and if you catch me deceiving you, Then say that in my prophecies there is nothing for me to be proud of. [Exit Tiresias and Oedipus] Who is the one that the god-inspired oracle-stone at Delphi saw With bloody hands doing that which it is forbidden to speak of? For now is the day for him to move his feet swifter Than storm's horses as he flees Since the son of Zeus - armed with fire and lightning - Is leaping toward him Accompanied by those angry And infallible Furies! It was not that long ago that the omen shone forth From the snows of Parnassus: Search everywhere for that man who is concealed; He who wanders up to the wild-woods, Through caves and among the rocks like some bull - He unlucky in his desolation who by his unlucky feet Seeks to elude that prophecy from the Temple at the centre of the world - That living doom which circles around him. Page 24
There is a strange wonder - wrought by he who is skilled in augury; I cannot believe, yet cannot disbelieve, nor explain my confusion For fear hovers over me. I cannot see what is here, or what is behind! Yet - if there was between the family of Labdacus, And that son of Polybus, any strife existing Either now or before, I have not learned of it To thus use it as proof to examine by trial and thus attack The public reputation of Oedipus, becoming thus for the family of Labdacus Their ally in respect of that killing which has been concealed. Rather - this is for Zeus and Apollo, who have the skill To understand, although that other man has won more For his discoveries than I. Even so, on some things nothing decisive is discovered: As in learning, where by learning One man may overtake another. Thus not before I see that they who accuse him are speaking straight Will I declare myself for them For she was visible - that winged girl who came down against him - And we then saw proof of his knowledge, which was beneficial to our clan. So therefore my decision is not to condemn him as ignoble. [Enter Creon] Clansmen! Having learnt of a horrible accusation Made against me by Oedipus the King I hastened here! If, in these our troubles, He deems that he has suffered because of me - Been injured by some word or some deed - Then I would have no desire to live as long as I might Having to bear such talk! For it is not simple - Page 25
The damage that would be done to me by such words: Rather, it would be great, for I would be dishonoured before my clan - With you and my kinsfolk hearing my name dishonoured. That insult perhaps came forth because of anger - Rather than being a conclusion from reason. And it was declared that it was my reasoning Which persuaded the prophet to utter false words? It was voiced - but I do not know for what reason. Were his eyes straight, was he thinking straight When he made that allegation against me? I do not know. For I do not observe what my superiors do. But here, from out of his dwelling, comes the Chief himself. [Enter Oedipus] You there! Why are you here? Have you so much face That you dare to come to my home? You - the one exposed as the killer of its man And, vividly, as a robber seeking my Kingship! In the name of the gods, tell me if it was cowardice or stupidity That you saw in me when you resolved to undertake this! Did you reason that I would not observe your cunning treachery - Page 26
Or, if I did learn of it, I would not defend myself? Instead, it was senseless of you to set your hand to this - With no crowd or comrades - and go in pursuit of authority: That which is captured by using wealth and the crowd! You know what you must do - in answer to your words Be as long in hearing my reply so that you can, with knowledge, judge for yourself. Your words are clever - but I would be mistaken to learn from you, Since I have found how dangerous and hostile you are to me. That is the first thing you should hear me speak about. Do not tell me: it is that you are not a traitor! If you believe that what is valuable is pride, by itself, Without a purpose, then your judgement is not right. And if you believe you can betray a kinsman And escape without punishment, then your judgement is no good. I agree that such a thing is correct - So inform me what injury you say I have inflicted. Did you convince me or did you not convince me that I should Page 27
Send a man to bring here that respected prophet? I am the same person now as the one who gave that advice. How long is the duration since Laius - Since he did what? I do not understand. Since he disappeared: removed by deadly force? The measurement of that duration is great - far into the past. So - was that prophet then at his art? Yes: of equal skill and having the same respect as now. At that period did he make mention of me? Certainly not to me nor when I was standing nearby. Was there no inquiry held about the killing? It was indeed undertaken, although nothing was learned. Page 28
So why did that clever person not speak, then? I do not know. And about things I cannot judge for myself, I prefer to be silent. But you do know why and would say it if you had good judgement! What? If I did know, then I would not deny it. It is that if he had not met with you, He would not have spoken about "my" killing of Laius. You should know if he indeed said that. Now, however, it is fair that I question you just as you have me. Question me well - for you will never convict me as the killer! Nevertheless. You had my sister - took her as wife? That is an assertion that cannot be denied. Does she, in this land, possess an authority the equal of yours? Page 29
Whatsoever is her wish, she obtains from me. And am I - who completes the triad - not the equal of you both? And it because of that, that you are exposed as a traitor to your kin! No! For consider these reasons for yourself, as I have, Examining this first: do you believe anyone Would prefer authority with all its problems To untroubled calm if they retained the same superiority? I myself do not nurture such a desire To be King rather than do the deeds of a King: No one commanding good judgement would, whoever they were. Now, and from you, I receive everything with no problems But if the authority was mine, I would have to do many things against my nature. How then could being a King bring me more pleasure Than the trouble-free authority and power I have? I am not yet so much deceived As to want honours other than those which profit me. Now, I greet everyone, and now, everyone bids me well Just as, now, those who want something from you call upon me Since only in that way can they possibly have success. Why, then, would I let go of these to accept that? A traitor cannot, because of his way of thinking, have good judgement. I am not a lover of those whose nature is to reason so And would not endure them if they did act. As proof of this, first go yourself to Pytho Page 30
To inquire whether the message I brought from the oracle there was true And if you detect that I and that interpreter of signs Plotted together, then kill me - not because of a single vote, But because of two, for you will receive mine as well as yours. I should not be accused because of unclear reasoning and that alone. It is not fair when the ignoble, rashly, Are esteemed as worthy or the worthy as ignoble. I say that to cast away an honourable friend is to do the same To that which is with life and which you cherish the most. It takes a while for an intuition to be made steady For it is only after a while that a man shows if he is fair Although an ignoble one is known as such in a day. Honourable words from someone cautious of falling, My Lord. Those swift in their judgement are unsteady. But when there is a plot against me which is swiftly and furtively Moving forward, then I must be swift in opposing that plot Since if I remain at rest, then indeed What is about to be done, will be - because of my mistake. Then you still desire to cast me from this land? Not so! It is your death, not your exile, that I want! When you explain to me what is the nature of this thing "envy" - Page 31
You speak without yielding and not in good faith! Is it not your 'good judgement' that is keenly being observed? But at least it is mine! And for that very reason it is but the equal of mine. But you have a treacherous nature! But if nothing has been proved - Even so, there must be authority. Not when that authority is defective. My clan! My clan! A portion of the clan is for me - not wholly for you! My Lords, stop this! It is fortunate perhaps that I observe Jocasta approaching from her dwelling, since it is fitting for her Page 32
To make right the quarrel which now excites you. [Enter Jocasta] JOCASTA You wretches! Why this ill-advised strife Produced by your tongues? Are you not dishonoured - when this land Is suffering - by becoming moved by personal troubles? You should go within; while you, Creon, should go to your dwelling So as not to let what is only nothing become a great sorrow. My kin by blood! It is horrible what your husband Oedipus, From two unfair things, has decided it is right to do! To push me from this land of my ancestors - or to seize and kill me! Yes! For he was, my lady, caught trying to injure My person by a cowardly art. [looking upward] Deny me, this day, your assistance - curse and destroy me If I committed that which I am accused of doing! JOCASTA Before the god, trust him, Oedipus! Chiefly because of this oath to the god And then because of me and these others here beside you. My Lord - be persuaded, having agreed to reflect on this. Page 33
To what do you wish me to yield? Respect he who before has never been weak - he now strengthened by that oath. Do you know what it is that you so desire? I do know. Then explain what you believe it to be. When a comrade is under oath, you should never accuse him Because of unproved rumours and brand him as being without honour. Then attend to this well. When you seek this, it is my Destruction that is saught - or exile from this land. No! By the god who is Chief of all the gods - Helios! Bereft of gods, bereft of kin - may the extremist death Of all be mine if such a judgement was ever mine! But ill-fated would be my breath of life - which the decay in this soil Already wears down - if to those troubles of old There was joined this trouble between you and him. Then allow him to go - although it requires my certain death Page 34
Or that I, without honour and by force, am thrown out from this land. And it is because of you, not because of him - the mercy coming from your mouth - That I do this. As for him - wherever he goes - I will detest him! It is clear that you are hostile as you yield - and so dangerous, even though Your anger has gone. For natures such as yours Are deservedly painful to whose who endure them. Then go away and leave me. I shall depart. To you, I remain unknown - but to these, here, I am the same. [Exit Creon] My Lady - why do you delay in returning with him into your dwelling? JOCASTA Because I wish to learn what has happened. Suspicion arising from unreasonable talk - and a wounding that was unfair. JOCASTA From both of them? Indeed. JOCASTA What was the talk? Page 35
Too much for me, too much for this land, wearied before this. Since it appears to have ceased, here - let it remain so. Observe where you have come to with your prowess in reason By me giving way and blunting my passion! My Lord, I will not say this only this once: My judgement would be defective - and by my purposeless judgements Would be shown to be so - if I deserted you, You who when this land I love was afflicted And despairing, set her straight. Now be for us our lucky escort, again! JOCASTA My Lord - before the god explain to me What act roused such wroth and made you hold onto it. It will be told. For I respect you, my lady, more than them. It was Creon - the plot he had against me. JOCASTA Then speak about it - if you can clearly affix blame for the quarrel. He declared that it was me who had killed Laius. JOCASTA Did he see it, for himself - or learn of it from someone? Page 36
It was rather that he let that treacherous prophet bring it - So as to make his own mouth entirely exempt. JOCASTA Therefore, and this day, acquit yourself of what was spoken about And listen to me, for you will learn for yourself That no mortal is given the skill to make prophecies. I bring to light evidence for this: An oracle came to Laius once - not I say From Phoebus himself but from a servant - That his own death was destined to come from a child Which he and I would produce. But - as it was reported - one day foreign robbers Slew him where three cart-tracks meet. As to the child - his growth had not extended to the third day When we yoked the joints of its feet And threw it - by another's hand - upon a desolate mountain. So, in those days, Apollo did not bring about, for him, That he slay the father who begot him - nor, for Laius, That horror which he feared - being killed by his son. Such were the limits set by those words of revelation! Therefore, do not concern yourself with them: for what a god Wants others to find out, he will by himself unmistakably reveal. As I heard you just now my lady, My judgement became muddled as the breath of life left me. Page 37
JOCASTA What has so divided you that you turn away to speak? I believed I heard this from you - that Laius Was killed near where three cart-tracks meet. JOCASTA It was, indeed, voiced - and is so, still. Where is the place where came his misfortune? JOCASTA The nearby land of Phocis - where the track splits To come from Delphi and from Daulia. How many seasons have passed since that thing was done? JOCASTA It was just before you held this land's authority That it was revealed by a herald to the clan. O Zeus! What was your purpose in doing this to me? JOCASTA What is it that burdens your heart, Oedipus? Do not enquire yet; rather, explain to me the appearance Laius had: Was he at the height of his vigour? Page 38
JOCASTA He was big - his head covered in hair but having a recent whiteness. His build was not far removed from your own. Wretch that I am! For it seems that over myself I, without looking, threw that terrible curse! JOCASTA What are you saying? My Lord - I tremble as I look at you. My courage is replaced by fear - that the prophet possesses sight! More can be explained - if you make known one more thing. JOCASTA Though I still tremble, if I have knowledge of what you ask, I shall speak it. Did he have a slender one - or did he have many men As escort as befits a warrior chieftain? JOCASTA Altogether there were five, one of those being an official - And one carriage, which conveyed Laius. Now it becomes visible. But who was he, My lady, who gave you that report? JOCASTA A servant - the very person who alone returned, having escaped harm. Page 39
Then perhaps he is to be found, at this moment, within our dwelling? JOCASTA Definitely not. For as soon as he returned here again and saw you Were the master of what the dead Laius had held, He beseeched me - his hand touching mine - To send him away to the wilds as a shepherd to a herd, Far away where he could not see the town. And so I sent him. For I deemed him worthy, As a slave, to have a greater reward than that favour. Then swiftly - and with no delay - can he be returned here? JOCASTA He is around. But why do you desire it? I fear, my lady, that far too much has already Been said by me. Yet it is my wish to see him. JOCASTA Then he shall be here. But it merits me to learn, My Lord, what burden within you is so difficult to bear. I shall not deprive you of that - for what I fear Comes closer. Who is more important to me than you To whom I would speak when going through such an event as this? Polybus the Corinthian was my father - Page 40
And the Dorian, Meropè, my mother. I was, in merit, Greater than the clansfolk there - until I was, by chance, Attacked. This, for me, was worthy of my wonder Although unworthy of my zeal: At a feast a man overfull with wine 780 Mumbled into his chalice what I was falsely said to be my father's. I was annoyed by this during that day - scarcely able To hold myself back. On the one following that, I saught to question My mother and father, and they were indignant At he who had let loose those words at me. Because of this, I was glad, although I came to itch from them For much did they slither about. So, unobserved by my mother and father, I travelled To Pytho. But for that which I had come, Phoebus there Did not honour me; instead - suffering and strangeness And misery were what his words foresaw: That I must copulate with my mother - and show, For mortals to behold, a family who would not endure - And also be the killer of the father who planted me. I, after hearing this - and regarding Corinth - Thereafter by the stars measured the ground I fled upon so that I would never have to face - Because of that inauspicious prophecy - the disgrace of its fulfilment. And while so travelling I arrived in those regions Where you spoke of the King himself being killed. 800 For you, my lady, I shall declare what has not been spoken of before. While journeying, I came near to that three-fold track, And at that place an official and a carriage With young horse with a man mounted in it - such as you spoke of - Came toward me. And he who was in front as well as the Elder himself Page 41
Were for driving me vigorously from the path. But the one who had pushed me aside - the carriage driver - I hit in anger: and the Elder, observing this From his chariot, watched for me to go past and then on the middle Of my head struck me with his forked goad. He was certainly repaid with more! By a quick blow From the staff in this, my hand, he fell back From the middle of the carriage and rolled straight out! And then I destroyed all the others. Yet if to that stranger And Laius there belongs a common relation Then who exists who is now as unfortunate as this man, here? Who of our race of mortals would have a daimon more hostile - He to whom it is not permitted for a stranger nor a clansman To receive into their homes, nor even speak to - But who, instead, must be pushed aside? And it is such things as these - These curses! - that I have brought upon myself. The wife of he who is dead has been stained by these hands Which killed him. Was I born ignoble? Am I not wholly unclean? For I must be exiled And in my exile never see my family Nor step into my own fatherland - or by marriage I will be yoked to my mother and slay my father Polybus, he who produced and nourished me. And would not someone who decided a savage daimon Did these things to me be speaking correctly? You awesome, powerful, gods - May I never see that day! May I go away From mortals, unobserved, before I see The stain of that misfortune come to me. Page 42
I also, my Lord, would wish to draw away from such things. But surely until you learn from he who was there, you can have expectations? Indeed. There is for me just such an expectation, And one alone - to wait for that herdsman. JOCASTA And when he does appear, what is your intent? I will explain it to you. If his report is found to be 840 The same as yours, then I shall escape that suffering. JOCASTA Did you then hear something odd in my report? You said he spoke of men - of robbers - being the ones Who did the killing. If, therefore, he still Speaks of there being many of them, then I am not the killer For one cannot be the same as the many of that kind. But if he says a solitary armed traveller, then it is clear, And points to me as the person who did that work. JOCASTA You should know that it was announced in that way. He cannot go back and cast them away For they were heard, here, by the clan - not just by me. Yet even if he turns away from his former report, Never, my Lord, can the death of Laius Page 43
Be revealed as a straight fit - for it was Loxias Who disclosed he would be killed by the hand of my child. But he - the unlucky one - could not have slain him For he was himself destroyed before that. Since then I have not by divination looked into What is on either side of what is next. I find that pleasing. However, that hired hand Should be summoned here by sending someone - it should not be neglected. JOCASTA I will send someone, and swiftly. But let us go into our dwelling. I would not do anything that would be disagreeable to you. [Exit Oedipus and Jocasta] May the goddess of destiny be with me So that I bear an entirely honourable attitude In what I say and in what I do - As set forth above us in those customs born and Given their being in the brightness of the heavens And fathered only by Olympus. For they were not brought forth by mortals, Whose nature is to die. Not for them the lethargy Of laying down to sleep Since the god within them is strong, and never grows old. Insolence plants the tyrant: There is insolence if by a great foolishness There is a useless over-filling which goes beyond The proper limits - Page 44
It is an ascending to the steepest and utmost heights And then that hurtling toward that Destiny Where the useful foot has no use. 880 Yet since it is good for a clan to have combat, I ask the god never to deliver us from it: As may I never cease from having the god for my champion. If someone goes forth and by his speaking Or the deeds of his hands looks down upon others With no fear of the goddess Judgement and not in awe Of daimons appearing, Then may he be seized by a destructive Fate Because of his unlucky weakness. If he does not gain what he gains fairly, Does not keep himself from being disrespectful, And in his foolishness holds onto what should not be touched, Then how will such a man thereafter keep away those arrows of anger Which will take revenge on his breath of life? For if such actions are those are esteemed, Is this my respectful choral-dance required? No more would I go in awe to that never to be touched sacred-stone, Nor to that Temple at Abae, Nor Olympia - if those prophecies do not fit In such a way that all mortals can point it out. But you whom it is right to call my master - Zeus! - you who rule over everyone: do not forget this, You whose authority is, forever, immortal. For they begin to decay - those prophecies of Laius Given long ago, and are even now set aside And nowhere does Apollo become manifest because esteemed: Page 45
For the rituals of the gods are being lost. [Enter Jocasta] JOCASTA Lords of this land - the belief has been given to me That I should go to the Temples of our guardian gods, my hands Holding a garland and an offering of incense. For Oedipus lets his breath of life be too much possessed by his heart Because of all his afflictions - since, unlike a man who reasons And determines the limits of what is strange by the past, He is fearful when someone, in speaking, speaks of such things. Therefore, since none of my counsels have achieved anything, I come here - to you, Lycean Apollo, since you are close to us - To petition you by asking you with these my gifts That we are cleansed of defilement by you bringing us deliverance. For now all of us are afraid as we behold That he who is guiding our vessel is wounded. [Enter Messenger] MESSENGER Is it from you, stranger, that I might learn where Is the dwelling of King Oedipus: Or, more particularly, if you have knowledge of where he himself is? Here are his chambers, stranger, and he himself is within. But here is his wife and mother of his children. MESSENGER May she always prosper in her prospering descent Since by them her marriage is complete. Page 46
JOCASTA And may you, also, stranger, because of your worthy eloquence. But explain to me what you seek in arriving here Or what it is that you wish to make known. MESSENGER What is profitable, my lady, for both your family and your husband. JOCASTA What is it? And who sent you here, to us? MESSENGER I am from Corinth. And when, presently, I have said my speech, There will be joy - of that I have no doubt - but also an equal sorrowing. JOCASTA How can that be? What has a double strength that it could cause that? MESSENGER He, as their King: for they who inhabit the land Of Isthmia would make him so - so they have said. JOCASTA How is that? For is not Polybus, the Elder, their Master? MESSENGER Not now - because death holds him in a tomb. JOCASTA What are you saying? That the father of Oedipus - has died? MESSENGER Is my report is not correct, then I merit death. Page 47
JOCASTA Swiftly - my handmaiden - go to your master To tell him this. You prophecies from the gods! - Where is your reality? This was the man whom Oedipus long ago from fear Avoided lest he kill him. And now it is because Of his own destiny that he died rather than through that of another. [Enter Oedipus] My Lady, Jocasta: Why did you summon me here from my chamber? JOCASTA Hear this man and, as you listen, watch to where It is that those solemn prophecies of the gods lead. What report has he - wherever he is from - for me? JOCASTA He is from Corinth with the message that your father Polybus is no more - he is dead. Then announce it, stranger - leading it out yourself, old one. MESSENGER If that is what I must relate first and clearly Then know well that his death has come upon him. Was it by treachery - or by dealing with sickness? Page 48